Leadthrough system

ABSTRACT

A leadthrough system for a constructional component, such as a deck or a wall, includes a frame ( 11 ) having at least two frame sections ( 12, 13 ) defining together a channel ( 31 ), sleeve sections ( 14, 15 ) surrounding the channel ( 31 ), with at least one sleeve section ( 14 ) tapering from one of its ends ( 18 ) to another of its ends ( 19 ), and at least one insertion member ( 20, 41 ) having a conical section ( 21 ) corresponding to a tapering contour of the at least one sleeve section ( 14 ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a leadthrough system for constructional components, such as decks or walls, and which includes a frame having at least two frame sections defining together a channel, and sleeve sections surrounding the channel, with at least one sleeve section tapering from one of its ends to another of its ends.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Leadthrough systems of the type described above serve for a fire-proof passing through constructional components such as decks and walls, of different conduits such as, e.g., tubular conduits or cable channels.

Leadthrough systems of this type have a frame that is already placed in a, e.g., wall when a shell is formed to retain a free space there for a to-be-passed-through conduit(s). If the leadthrough space available in the frame is not needed or is needed only partially for installation of feed conduits, the remaining free space should be filled.

Japanese Publication JP 01 271 579 A1 discloses formation of an opening in a concrete panel, with a two-piece place (space ) holder being arranged on a wall of a framework and remaining in the panel upon casting of the panel. The conical section of the two-piece place holder can be pulled out of the opening, which is formed thereby, upon solidification of concrete, leaving the opening free. The drawback of the method of formation of an opening according to JP 01 271 579 A1 consists in that it does not provide a stable leadthrough which is provided with a frame.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,444,947 discloses a vent for a concrete wall or deck. The vent is formed of two frames which telescope relative to each other. The first frame is provided with two axially spaced from each other, circumferential ribs which are engaged from behind by a circumferential rib provided at the end of the second panel for connecting the two frames. Each frame is provided at its end remote from the rib with a flange that can be secured to a wall with fastening means.

The drawback of the system disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,444,947 consists in that it can serve as an air vent but cannot be used as a leadthrough for a fire-proof passing of conduits.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a leadthrough system in which the drawbacks of prior art leadthrough systems are eliminated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a leadthrough system that would insure a high degree of protection against fire.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a leadthrough system that can be easily mounted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These and other objects of the present invention, which will become apparent hereinafter, are achieved by providing at least one insertion member having a conical section corresponding to a tapering contour of the at least one sleeve.

By the provision of an insertion member a closable leadthrough system is formed in a simple way and which can be easily open, if needed, to pass therethrough a conduit or conduits. The installation characteristics of the inventive leadthrough system are noticeably improved.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the conical section of the insertion member has an outer surface provided with a layer of an intumescent material. The intumescent layer insures a flue gas-proof sealing of the channel when the channel is closed with the insertion member. Alternatively, the layer can be formed of an elastic sealing material that does not have intumescent characteristics.

Advantageously, a plurality of insertion members for closing the channel is provided. This permits to open the channel only in certain sections by removing one or several insertion members in order to pass through one or several conduits.

Advantageously, the at least one insertion member is provided at one of its end with at least one flange section. The flange section can support the at least one insertion member on an edge or a flange section of the frame to which the at least one flange section can be secured, e.g., with screw means.

According to a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention the at least one insertion member has an inner space filled with intumescent material. This provides for additional sealing of the channel in case of fire and prevents burn-out of the insertion member.

Alternatively, the inner space of the insertion member can be filled with a mineral constructional material. The filling of the inner space of the insertion member with a mineral constructional material permits the leadthrough system to absorb large loads, while also preventing burn-out of the insertion member in case of fire.

Advantageously, the insertion member is provided with a handle. The handle permits the user to easily insert the insertion member into the channel and to withdraw it therefrom.

It is beneficial when the insertion member has a preliminary formed leadthrough. Upon mounting of a conduit, a closed insertion member can be pulled out from channel and be replaced with one having a preliminary formed leadthrough. Through the leadthrough, a conduit can be passed. This substantially simplifies mounting of both the leadthrough and the conduit.

The novel features of the present invention, which are considered as characteristic for the invention, are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its mode of operation, together with additional advantages and objects thereof, will be best understood from the following detailed description of preferred embodiment, when read with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawing show:

FIG. 1 a perspective exploded view of a leadthrough system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 a vertical exploded cross-sectional view of components of the leadthrough system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 a vertical cross-sectional view showing a leadthrough system according to the present invention mounted in a constructional component; and

FIG. 4 a perspective view of a leadthrough system according to the present invention with already mounted conduits and that has already been placed in a constructional component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

A leadthrough system 10 according to the present invention, which is shown in FIGS. 1-3, includes a frame 11 having a rectangular cross-section and formed of a first frame section 12 and a second frame section 13. A channel 31 extends through the frame 11. The frame sections 12, 13 have sleeve sections 14, 15, respectively. The sleeve section 14 of the first frame section 12 tapers conically from a first end 18 of the frame section 12, at which a flange 16 is formed, toward the second end 19 of the frame section 12. At the end of the second frame section 13, there is also provided a flange 17. At an end of the flange 17 remote from the sleeve section 15, there is provided a sealing member 29. The leadthrough system 10 further includes several insertion members 20 each of which has a conical section 21 and two flange sections 22. The conical section 21 is adapted to the taper of the sleeve section 14 of the first frame section 12. The flange section 22 projects sidewise from the conical section at one of its ends. The inner space 23 of the insertion member 20 is filed with non-flammable material or material that can be inflamed only with much difficulty, such as, e.g., concrete, cement, or intumescent material. The outer surface 25, which surrounds the conical section 21 is covered with a layer 26 of elastic, sealing, intumescent material. The insertion member 20 is further provided with a handle 24.

Upon formation of a constructional component, e.g., of a concrete deck, the frame 11 is attached at least to one of framework walls, with the frame 11 being sealed against the wall (or walls) by the sealing member(s) 29. Before this, the sleeve section 14 of the frame section 12 is pushed into the sleeve section 15 of the frame section 13. After pouring of concrete and its hardening, the leadthrough system 10 is secured in the constructional component 30, in particular over flange section 16, 17 which surrounds the edges of an opening in the constructional component 30, as shown in FIG. 3.

The channel 31 in the frame 11 is closed with the insertion members 20 which are inserted into the frame section 12 together with the tapering section 14. Flange sections 22 of the insertion members 20 permit to screw the insertion members 20 to the frame 11 to reliably secure them therein. The layer 26 of the elastic, sealing, intumescent material insures a flue gas-proof sealing of the channel 31. For passing a conduit 40 through the constructional component 30, in a corresponding location, one of more of insertion members 20 is (are) removed from channel 31. In the free sections of the channel 31, then, special insertion members 41 are inserted which have preliminary formed leadthroughs 42 for conduits 40 (please see FIG. 4). The outer contour of the special insertion members 41 essentially corresponds to that of insertion members 20, and the special insertion members 41 also have flange sections 22 and insure flue gas-proof and fire-proof passing of conduits 40 through the constructional component 30. Alternatively, the conduits 40 can directly pass through the free sections of the channel 31, with the remaining free space in the channel 31 being filled, after the conduits 40 have been passed through, with an intumescent material, e.g., foam to provide for a new flue gas-proof sealing of the channel 30.

Though the present invention was shown and described with references to the preferred embodiment, such is merely illustrative of the present invention and is not to be construed as a limitation thereof and various modifications of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore not intended that the present invention be limited to the disclosed embodiment or details thereof, and the present invention includes all variations and/or alternative embodiments within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 

1. A leadthrough system for a constructional component (30), comprising: a frame (11) having at least two frame sections (12, 13) defining together a channel (31) and respective sleeve sections (14, 15) surrounding the channel (31), with at least one sleeve section (14) tapering from one end (18) of a respective frame section (12) to another end (19) of the respective frame section (12); and at least one insertion member (20, 41) having a conical section (21) corresponding to a tapering contour of the at least one sleeve section (14).
 2. A leadthrough system according to claim 1, wherein the conical section (21) of the at least one insertion member (20, 41) has an outer surface (25) provided with a layer (26) of an intumescent material.
 3. A leadthrough system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of insertion members (20) for completely closing the channel (31).
 4. A leadthrough system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one insertion member (20, 41) has at least one flange section (22) at an end thereof.
 5. A leadthrough system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one insertion member (20, 41) has an inner space (23) filled with an intumescent material.
 6. A leadthrough system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one insertion member (20, 41) has an inner space (23) filled with mineral constructional material.
 7. A leadthrough system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one insertion member (20) is provided with a handle (24).
 8. A leadthrough system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one insertion member (41) is provided with at least one preliminary formed leadthrough (42). 